The British Empire in Asia Trivia Quiz

Leased from China in 1898 as a strategic naval base, Wei-Hai-Wei was used by the British to counter Russian influence in the region. It's located in the north-east corner of China, opposite North and South Korea.The lease was part of the broader geopolitical struggles in East Asia. Wei-Hai-Wei was returned to China in 1930.

Established by the League of Nations in 1920, Britain administered Iraq to stabilize the region and develop its oil resources. The mandate ended with Iraq's independence on October 3, 1932.

Although not a formal colony, Britain exerted significant influence over Persia (Iran) from 1907, sharing control with Russia. This influence was part of the Great Game, a strategic rivalry between Britain and Russia for political influence over Central Asia. Eventually, British influence waned during World War II, ending in 1941.

The British East India Company began trading in India in the early 1600s, gradually expanding its influence through military and political means, especially after the Battle of Plassey in 1757. The British Crown took direct control in 1858 following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. India gained independence on August 15, 1947, leading to the partition into India and Pakistan.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish control over Ceylon, arriving in 1505. They dominated the coastal regions and set up a military government, which lasted until the Dutch took over in 1658. The British took control of Ceylon from the Dutch in 1796 and formally established it as a colony in 1815. Ceylon gained independence on February 4, 1948.

Initially part of British India, Burma was annexed through a series of Anglo-Burmese Wars (1824-1885). It became a separate colony in 1937 and gained independence on January 4, 1948.

Established by the League of Nations in 1920, Britain administered Palestine to prepare it for self-governance. The mandate period was marked by tensions between Jewish and Arab communities. Britain withdrew in 1948, leading to the establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948.

The British established control over various Malay states and the Straits Settlements through treaties and military force starting in the early 19th century. Malaya was rich in tin and rubber, making it economically valuable. It gained independence on August 31, 1957, and later formed Malaysia in 1963.

Founded as a British trading post by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Singapore became a key strategic port. Its location made it a crucial hub for trade between the East and West. Singapore joined Malaysia when it was formed in 1963, but then became fully independent as its own country on August 9, 1965.

The British established control over Sarawak and Sabah (on the island of Borneo) through treaties and the efforts of the Brooke family and the British North Borneo Company. These regions were rich in natural resources like timber and oil. Both regions joined Malaysia in 1963.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to seize control of the Maldives, arriving in 1558. They forcibly took control of Malé, the capital, but they were expelled by local resistance in 1573.

In the 17th century, the Maldives became a sultanate under the protection of the Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). This lasted until the islands became a British protectorate in 1887, ensuring British control over its foreign affairs. The Maldives gained independence on July 26, 1965.

Occupied by the British in 1839 to secure a coaling station for ships, Aden became a colony and a key refueling point on the route to India. The colony was strategically important for controlling access to the Red Sea. Aden gained independence as part of South Yemen on November 30, 1967.

Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888, with Britain managing its defense and foreign affairs. Brunei's oil wealth made it strategically important. The country gained full independence on January 1, 1984.

Ceded to Britain after the First Opium War in 1842, Hong Kong became a major trading hub. Its deep-water harbor and strategic location were vital for British trade. Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1, 1997.